About Us

It all started in April 2021, founded by Joe and Carla, who both worked in special educational needs (SEN) schools in London. Joe, a PE and swimming teacher, and Carla, a primary school teacher, recognized a clear need for specialized swimming lessons tailored to individual needs.Through conversations with parents of students and professionals in the swimming industry, it became apparent that many SEN children faced challenges accessing safe, supportive swimming lessons that catered to their unique learning requirements.

Whilst there are many excellent swimming schools, few offered child-centered, SEN Specific approaches where the process, environment, and teaching methods were specific for each child or young person.

Both Carla and Joe had always been passionate about sports, especially swimming. With their qualifications and experience as swimming teachers and 15 years of combined SEN experience, they decided to take action—and so, SEN Swim was born. Starting with just eight students attending evening classes in 2021, SEN Swim has since grown in size and developed its approach significantly.

Now, with over 200 students regularly attending lessons throughout the school term and during school holidays, we continue on our path to deliver the best lessons possible. We take great pride in the happiness, comfort and achievements of the children and young people we teach, as well as the trust and support of their families. Our commitment to continually refining our teaching methods, recruiting and training staff, finding suitable pools, and building strong relationships with parents and carers ensures that SEN Swim remains dedicated to providing supportive, enjoyable, and nurturing swimming lessons for those children and young people that can benefit greatly.

Our Approach

Intake Process and Parent/Carer Communication

Our intake process and ongoing communication with parents and carers are key to how we plan and conduct each lesson. At booking, we ask parents/carers to complete an intake form to provide useful information about their child. This helps the swimming teacher prepare accordingly. Throughout the child’s SEN Swim experience, communication remains consistent and positive, keeping parents informed of any changes in teaching approach. We also require parents/carers to stay and observe lessons, ensuring transparency and allowing them to witness their child’s progress.

Before Lessons Start

After booking, we send an information email to caregivers, outlining how the lessons work and providing venue details. We also send visual social stories featuring the pool and teacher to help ease any anxieties about the new experience.

1:1 Lessons - Child-Centred Learning

Teachers use the initial lessons to build positive relationships and understand each child's learning style. Lessons are tailored to suit individual learning needs, whether visual or hands-on, ensuring safe, enjoyable learning and fostering a positive relationship with water.

SEN Swim Skill Curriculum

Each child works through our skill-based curriculum at their own pace, rather than following a traditional stage-based system. Teachers support students in developing skills in a motivating, meaningful way.

Celebrating Achievements

We celebrate every student's progress, big or small. At the end of each term or course, students receive a certificate for their achievements and a sticker book to track their progress, making learning both fun and rewarding.

The Dream Team

Joe

Hi, I'm Joe, the SEN Swim school manager and co-founder alongside Carla, back in April 2021. I'm also one of the dedicated swimming teachers at SEN Swim. Before this, I spent 8 years as the lead PE teacher at a special needs school for students with autism and have been a swimming teacher for children of all abilities for 14 years. Through my experience, I saw the growing need for tailored swimming lessons for children with individual needs, leading to the creation of SEN Swim. I take pride in delivering high-quality lessons that all our students deserve. I'm a qualified Swim England Level 2 teacher, with a BA (Hons) in Sports Development, QTS in physical education, and a postgraduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health. With my passion, experience, and qualifications, I work to ensure every lesson is supportive, enjoyable, and meets each child’s needs.

Carla

Hi, I’m Carla, a co-founder of SEN Swim. It’s been a rewarding journey working alongside Joe and our talented team to teach such an important life skill. With over ten years of experience working with SEN children and three years as a swimming teacher, I hold a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS specializing in SEND, along with several swimming instruction certifications. My passion for sports, especially swimming, led me to combine my teaching skills with my love for the water, creating engaging lessons beyond the classroom. Fun facts: I have two cats, Tilly and Belle, love nature, and was born in Madeira, Portugal. I'm excited for many more fun-filled years with our swimmers!

Stacey

Hi, I’m Stacey, and I joined SEN Swim as a swimming teacher in April 2024. I have many years of experience in the swimming industry, working with children and adults with additional needs. As a former competitive swimmer, I’ve always had a passion for the water, and sharing that with the young people I work with is a privilege. Having close family members with special needs has shaped my journey and deepened my understanding of how to support individuals with diverse learning styles. My approach focuses on understanding each student’s unique perspective and creating a learning environment that helps them thrive. Seeing the progress students make, and the joy it brings to them and their families, is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to welcoming many more swimmers to the pool!

Chemsey

Hi! I’m Chemsey, a French native who moved to London six years ago and am passionate about teaching and helping others. I’ve worked with SEN students for the past five years and have been a swimming instructor at SEN Swim for two years. I studied English Literature and Language in Toulouse, France, which enhanced my communication skills. I also hold a swimming instruction qualification, blending my love for teaching with swimming. My interest in working with SEN students was inspired by a family member diagnosed with autism. Teaching swimming to SEN students feels like a perfect fit, combining my passion for swimming with my desire to support special needs. I find it incredibly rewarding to see the progress and achievements of my students. Being part of their journey and celebrating their growth is a truly fulfilling experience.

Aleks

Hello! I’m Aleks, a dedicated swim teacher with a passion for helping all students, especially those with special needs, enjoy and succeed in swimming. I've been teaching swimming since 2021 and working in a Special Needs School since 2019.

I hold a Primary and Early Years Education degree, along with a Swimming Teacher Award Level 2 and STA Level 2 Award in Safety.

Teaching students with special needs is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing their progress in both swimming skills and confidence. Every child learns uniquely, and it’s a privilege to adapt my teaching to their needs. Watching them achieve new milestones, whether it's floating or mastering a stroke, is the highlight of my work.

Swimming is not only a life skill but also offers therapeutic benefits, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey for so many amazing students.

Eleni

Hello! I’m Eleni, originally from Greece and living in London for the past 10 years. I hold an MA in Sociology and have worked in a special needs school for the last 8 years, currently as a family support practitioner. Recently, I completed my swimming teacher training. I've always loved the water and have seen firsthand how beneficial swimming is for SEN students. Swimming is not only a vital life skill but also a fun way for children to build a positive relationship with water. I’m excited to meet new students and help them stay safe and enjoy their time in the water!

Honey

Hi, I’m Honey, one of the SEN Swim teachers since the swim school began in 2021. I’m also a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant at a special needs school, where I’ve worked for 11 years. A qualified swimming teacher since 2016, I’ve loved helping learners with special needs. Joining SEN Swim was a dream come true, and I’ve enjoyed every day since. I love creating trusting connections with students, making lessons fun and special—sometimes even singing songs to those who love music! I’m looking forward to supporting every student in their swimming journey!

Jodie

Hi, I’m Jodie, and I’ve been a swimming teacher at SEN Swim for 2 years. I’m also a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at a special needs school, where I’ve worked for nearly 12 years. In addition to being a First Aider and Mental Health First Aider, I hold the STA Pool Rescue Award for Teachers and am a qualified swimming instructor. Working with children and young adults with special needs is my passion. Having a close family member with special needs, I’ve seen the joy and progress that swimming can bring, which inspired me to join SEN Swim. Since then, it’s been a rewarding journey, helping students feel safe and confident in the water. I tailor each lesson to meet the unique needs of every student, building positive relationships with them and their families. I believe swimming is a fun and valuable skill, especially for those with special needs, and I’m committed to making every lesson an enjoyable and enriching experience. I look forward to welcoming more swimmers to discover the benefits of being in the water!

Monica

Hi, I’m Monica, and I’ve been a swimming teacher at SEN Swim since 2022. Originally from Pamplona, Spain, I moved to London 12 years ago. I have over 10 years of experience in special needs education, primarily working with children and adults with autism. Alongside my role as a swimming teacher, I am currently studying for a clinical psychology degree, having previously completed a master’s degree in autism and studied educational psychology in Spain. With my background and passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs, I’ve found great fulfillment in combining this with my love for swimming. I enjoy the 1:1 nature of the lessons, building strong relationships with students and their families. My calm and patient approach helps students feel safe, allowing us to focus on their individual learning and development in the pool. I’m excited to continue supporting new students on their swimming journey and look forward to many more lessons ahead!

Adana

Hi! I'm Adana, one of the swimming teachers at SEN Swim. I've always loved sports, from doing cartwheels with my grandma to competing in my first 400m at the national level. Swimming has brought me pure joy since childhood, and my passion for it grew into a desire to teach. After studying community sports coaching at university, I began teaching swimming full-time to primary and secondary SEN students. I've been doing this for a year and a half, and joining SEN Swim has been one of the best decisions I've made. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a child's joy when they overcome a fear or achieve a new skill! I'm an STA-qualified swimming teacher with Level 3 First Aid and Level 2 Pool Emergency Responder certifications. I look forward to seeing you at the pool!

Jennifer

Hi! I'm Jennifer! I'm just writing my bio...

Our Curriculum

‹›

Qualifications, Experience and Accreditation

All SEN Swim teachers are either STA or Swim England qualified swimming teachers. All teachers have a background in SEN settings, ranging from teachers, support staff in schools and educational settings, as well as many with SEN specific swimming teaching experience.

All teachers have enhanced DBS checks, attend regular and up to date safeguarding training, as well as hold pool rescue or lifeguard training.

SEN Swim is an accredited STA Star Mark Swim school and has completed the RLSS Swim School safety Award